Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

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Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin — 🦃🍁🙌🏻 The ultimate SET IT and FORGET IT turkey recipe that’s great for smaller Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners or holiday entertaining! Boneless turkey tenderloins are coated in a FLAVORFUL lemon herb rub before being slow cooked to MOIST and JUICY perfection! This recipe is so EASY and effortless that you can even make it for weeknight family dinners – so you can enjoy turkey more than just once a year! 

Sliced turkey breast with gravy on a white plate, served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

This turkey tenderloin recipe is similar to my Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe, but instead of using a whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast we’re going to be slow cooking the boneless, skinless tenderloins. 

Just like with pork tenderloin and beef tenderloin, the turkey tenderloin such a precious cut of meat because it’s the most tender cut of the entire bird.

And one of the easiest to cook too because they’re smaller and more manageable. No bones, no white and dark meat. Turkey tenderloin is all white meat that comes from a thick, boneless, skinless strip of meat from the turkey breast. 

Sliced grilled chicken breast with herb seasoning topped with sauce, garnished with lemon slices and parsley on a white rectangular plate.

Here’s why I adore this Crockpot turkey tenderloin recipe:

  • My slow cooker does all the work for me! I can pop the tenderloins into the slow cooker, set a timer, and walk away. 
  • It frees up precious oven space on the busiest cooking day of the year. My oven is already going to be jam-packed with a maple pecan ham or a glazed apple spiral ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, and more as I am cooking my holiday meal.
  • This recipe is ideal for smaller groups. It makes two tenderloins, which will feed four people comfortably. 
  • Make and enjoy turkey more often. I don’t know about you, but we rarely eat turkey throughout the year (with the exception of ground turkey in place of ground beef in recipes). Mostly because I have a small family and also don’t have the desire to make a big ‘ole turkey so this recipe cures all that!
  • It uses dried herbs instead of fresh, so there’s no need to run to the supermarket just to buy pricey herbs for one recipe. However if you have fresh herbs on hand, use them! Double the amount of finely minced fresh herbs that you would compared to dried.
Sliced and unsliced seasoned chicken breasts on a wooden board, garnished with herbs, alongside lemon slices and a bowl of sauce, with a kitchen appliance in the background.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Turkey Tenderloin 

This easy slow cooker turkey tenderloin recipe calls for basic ingredients you likely have on hand. The only “special” item is the actual tenderloins! 

Gather the following:  

  • Turkey tenderloin – tenderloins are typically sold in packs of two and you’ll likely use both
  • Dried rosemary 
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried parsley
  • Paprika
  • Dried basil
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Lemon zest
  • Chicken broth – I use reduced sodium 
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice – fresh is best and you need a lemon anyway for the zest
  • Onion – white or yellow
  • Garlic
  • Fresh parsley – optional, for garnishing

Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.

How to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker 

Making turkey breast tenderloin in a slow cooker is so simple and is nearly impossible to mess up so long as you don’t cook it for longer than instructed. 

Here are the basic recipe steps of this slow cooker recipe: 

  1. Season the turkey tenderloins: Blot or pat with paper towels and then coat all sides with the dried herbs and spices. 
  2. Assemble in the slow cooker: Place the chopped onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Lay the seasoned turkey tenderloins over top. 
  3. Top with marinade mixture: Pour a mixture of chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice and zest into the slow cooker. 
  4. Cover and cook: The turkey tenderloins can be slow cooked on LOW for 4 to 5 hours which is my preference, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temp is 165F as measured by a digital meat thermometer.
  5. Rest before carving: Remove the tenderloins from the slow cooker and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. 
Slices of grilled chicken breast with sauce, served on mashed potatoes and green beans, on a white plate.

What to Serve with Turkey Tenderloin

Sliced roasted chicken breast topped with lemon herb sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, served with lemon slices on the side.

Tip: Use the Drippings to Make Gravy!

In the recipe card below, I’ve explained how you can use the drippings and cooking liquid from the slow cooker to make a simple turkey gravy. Or use the drippings to make my Classic Turkey Gravy recipeDon’t want to use the drippings? Make my simple Mushroom Gravy or Shortcut Chicken Broth Gravy instead!

Storage

In the Refrigerator: This recipe will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

In the Freezer: This recipe will keep airtight in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: I use my microwave for quickness and ease and reheat my leftovers for about 30 seconds on high, or as needed. Easy does it though, you don’t want to dry it out!

Recipe FAQs

Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast? 

Not exactly. The turkey tenderloin is taken from the breast, and it’s boneless and skinless. Turkey tenderloins strongly resemble large chicken breasts and they become moist and tender once cooked.

Don’t buy a bone-in turkey breast by mistake or else you’ll need to adjust the cook time. However, if you do buy a turkey breast by accident, ollow my Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe instead — crisis averted!

Should I buy fresh or frozen turkey tenderloins? 

Both will work. If you select frozen tenderloins, you’ll need to thaw them overnight in the fridge before you can make this recipe. Don’t add frozen tenderloins to your slow cooker or they will cook unevenly and the exterior will likely wind up being tough before the interior fully cooks through.

How many people will a turkey tenderloin feed? 

They’re usually sold in packs of two and weigh roughly 2 pounds total (that’s 1 pound per tenderloin). Depending on how many sides you plan on serving, the 2 pounds of meat should comfortably feed 4 people, maybe more, because that’s 1/2-pound meat per person. 

What size slow cooker should I use? 

I used my 6-quart slow cooker, and a 7-quart slow cooker is fine. Don’t use anything smaller than a 6 quart (pass on those circular ones too) or else the meat won’t have enough room to cook evenly. 

What internal temperature should turkey tenderloin be cooked to? 

Turkey tenderloins are safe to consume at 165F as measured with a digital thermometer or thermometer laser. You can remove the meat from the slow cooker when it hits 160F, let it rest, and the internal temp will come up to 165F. Make sure NOT to overcook your tenderloins because they won’t be tender any longer!

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker to make this a complete meal? 

Technically, yes. You could chop hearty vegetables (butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, etc.) into ½-inch chunks and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker, beneath the tenderloins. 

However, in my experience vegetables, if not diced small, will take longer to cook than the turkey. And by adding them, it will increase the overall cooking time which is only logical since there’s more in the slow cooker. I have a Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables recipe to give you a general idea how to do it. For it, I do add them 1 hour earlier (although they’re cut more chunky so maybe not necessary if you cut them small enough) and I use an 8-quart slow cooker.

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

🦃🍁🙌🏻 The ultimate SET IT and FORGET IT turkey recipe that’s great for smaller Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners or holiday entertaining! Boneless turkey tenderloins are coated in a FLAVORFUL lemon herb rub before being slow cooked to MOIST and JUICY perfection! This recipe is so EASY and effortless that you can even make it for weeknight family dinners – so you can enjoy turkey more than just once a year! 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Servings: 4
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Ingredients  

  • 2 pounds turkey tenderloin, usually sold in a package of two, weighing about 1 pound each
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced small
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Finely minced fresh parsley, optional for garnishing

Instructions 

  • Season the tenderloins evenly with the dried herbs including rosemary, oregano, parsley, paprika, basil, salt, and pepper. Make sure to season both sides. Set aside momentarily.
  • To a small bowl, zest the lemon, then add the chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice (from the lemon you just zested), and whisk to combine. Set aside momentarily.
  • Spray the slow cooker liner with cooking spray if desired and then scatter the diced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker, and evenly sprinkle the garlic.
  • Place the seasoned tenderloins on top of the bed of onions and garlic, and drizzle the liquid broth and lemon mixture into the slow cooker. Tip – I pour a bit of it on top of the tenderloins, and the rest around the sides, so that the liquid doesn't "wash off" all the seasonings I just applied to the tenderloins.
  • Slow cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (my preference) OR on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the tenderloins are done. Tips – Turkey tenderloins are done when the internal temp reaches 165F as measured by digital thermometer. I pull my tenderloins when they're about 160F and allow them to rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes with a sheet of foil over the top, during which time the juices will redistribute and the internal temp will come up to a safe 165F. Don't overcook turkey tenderloins because they's so lean that they will be tough and dry if you do. And always rest the meat before slicing.
  • Optional Gravy – Make a slurry by combining 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, add this to the juices in the bottom of the slow cooker, set to HIGH, place the lid, and allow it to thicken for 15 minutes, or as desired; check on it and stir it every few minutes.
    Alternatively, you can transfer the juices to a saucepan on the stove, add the slurry, and simmer over medium-heat for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened as desired; whisk nearly continuously.
    Please see the links below as well if you want a more traditional gravy.
  • After the turkey has rested, optionally garnish with parsley, slice, and serve.

Notes

Gravy Options:
For a traditional buttery, rich gravy that’s made with pan drippings, I recommend my Easy Foolproof Gravy.
If you don’t have quite enough pan drippings (fat) from what’s produced in this recipe, try my Chicken Broth Gravy which supplements what you’re missing with store bought chicken broth.
I also have a Mushroom Gravy recipe which is layered with earthy flavor.
Storage: Leftover turkey will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it very gently in the microwave, as needed taking care not to dry it out; or consider eating it cold/room temp over a salad or in sandwiches as well. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 399kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 55g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 101mg, Sodium: 756mg, Potassium: 172mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 298IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 53mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

More Holiday Slow Cooker Main Dishes: 

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin — 🐷🍴🙌🏻 Pork tenderloin is coated in a sweet and tart cranberry glaze before being slow cooked to TENDER and JUICY perfection! The whole berry cranberry sauce in the glaze adds so much texture and FLAVOR! Serve this EASY Crockpot recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or for an elegant tasting meal during the holiday season. Tip – This is a great recipe to use up leftover cranberry sauce you have on hand!   

Sliced pork tenderloin topped with cranberry sauce in a wooden bowl, accompanied by a bowl of cranberries and a loaf of bread.

Crock-Pot Whole Chicken – 🍗🙌🏻😋 The EASIEST way to cook a whole chicken because your slow cooker does all the work for you! The chicken is lightly flavored with lemon, garlic and herbs, and turns out so moist, juicy, and tender! 

Roasted chicken on a white platter surrounded by halved potatoes, garnished with rosemary sprigs and a lemon slice.

Slow Cooker Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin — Pork tenderloin is coated in a sweet and savory apricot glaze then slow cooked until juicy and tender! Leftover pork tenderloin is delicious in sandwiches, sliders, and wraps and reheats well the next day!

Sliced pork tenderloin with a glazed sauce on a wooden board, garnished with parsley, with a bowl of greens and a sauce dish in the background.

Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast — ⏰🙌🧡 Learn how to make a perfect turkey breast every time using your slow cooker! Making turkey breast in a Crockpot results in juicy, tender turkey every time and is nearly impossible to dry out! 

Gravy is being poured over sliced roast chicken on a white plate, garnished with rosemary, orange slices, and cranberries, with green beans in the background.

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin — Tender and juicy boneless pork tenderloin is slow cooked with hearty vegetables for a complete and EASY meal! Reminiscent of a hearty and rustic recipe, yet fancy enough for a special dinner or holiday entertaining!

Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast with Balsamic Glaze — Pork loin is slow cooked to TENDER and JUICY perfection in an irresistible honey balsamic glaze! Slice or shred the pork depending on how you want to serve it!

A plate with barbecued pulled pork over mashed potatoes, green beans, and a slice of bread, garnished with chopped parsley.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast — A foolproof recipe for tender, juicy pot roast with just FIVE main ingredients! Your slow cooker does all the work in this comfort food classic pot roast that the whole family will adore! EASIER than any pot roast you will ever make and with more robust flavor! 

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with shredded beef and garnished with parsley. A serving dish with more beef and a ladle is visible in the background. A slice of bread is on the side.
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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Please note: I have only made the recipe as written, and cannot give advice or predict what will happen if you change something. If you have a question regarding changing, altering, or making substitutions to the recipe, please check out the FAQ page for more info.

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